Vigils were held for Sharon Otieno and other women who had been killed

🌐 Here's What Happened

Former Kenyan county governor Okoth Obado has been found guilty of murdering a pregnant 26-year-old university student with whom he had been having an affair.

In 2018, Sharon Otieno's bloodied body was found dumped in a thicket outside a small town in western Kenya.

Obado, governor of Migori county at the time, and two co-accused were convicted on Thursday of arranging the killing.

📌 Key Details

Otieno's death sparked protests and highlighted the extent of violence against women in the country.

A national survey found that in 2022 at least 34% of women said they had experienced physical violence.

Obado "orchestrated a plot to eliminate Otieno", Judge Cecilia Githua said reading out her ruling, which was broadcast live on television.

He "supplied motive, instigation and funds to finance the criminal enterprise".

Obado's former personal assistant Michael Oyamo "facilitated execution" and former county clerk Caspal Obiero "ensured logistical support and concealment to avoid detection of the offence", the judge added.

"We are happy with the conviction. We believe that justice has at last been served to Sharon," a lawyer for the victim's family said.

📰 Source: BBC Africa